Handel's Messiah
Members of the Abbey Choir and celebrated soprano Anna Dennis, along with the renowned musicians of AAM, bring to life this sacred oratorio, one of the best known and most frequently performed works of choral music.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey and leading period-instrument orchestra Academy of Ancient Music herald the start of the Christmas season with a performance of Handel's most famous oratorio.
A performance of Messiah in Westminster Abbey is always a special occasion thanks to the composer’s unique association with the Abbey. A London resident for over 40 years, Handel wrote some of his most celebrated music for performance here and is buried in Poets’ Corner, where he is immortalised in an imposing life-size statue by Louis-François Roubiliac. Beside the figure of the composer is a musical score showing a fragment of the Messiah aria ‘I know that my Redeemer liveth’.
The Choir of Westminster Abbey is renowned worldwide as one of the finest ensembles of its type, its repertoire extending from plainsong and Renaissance polyphony to twentieth-century masterpieces and new commissions. In addition to singing the daily services, as it has done since the fourteenth century, the Choir plays a central role in the many royal and state occasions which are held in the Abbey, most recently the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
“A choice performance … an extraordinary range of expressive tone.”
The Guardian
“…an exhilarating performance by Academy of Ancient Music...”
Evening Standard
This concert takes place thanks to the generous support of David Keltner and the late Patricia Owen Keltner.
Performers
- The Choir of Westminster Abbey
- Academy of Ancient Music
- Andrew Nethsingha, conductor
- Anna Dennis, soprano
- Simon Ponsford countertenor
- William Balkwill tenor
- Jonathan Brown baritone
Tickets
- Reserved seating - £57, £47, £38
- Restricted view - £30
- Very restricted view - £24
- No view (unreserved) - £15
There is a £3.50 transaction fee
Attending the concert
Timings
- Doors open at 6.15pm and the concert will begin at 7pm
- There will be an interval of 20 minutes and the performance will end at around 9.30pm
- Latecomers will be admitted but may not be able to occupy their allocated seats until a suitable break in the performance.
Access & security
- Entry to Westminster Abbey is via the Great West Door.
- Your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
Food & drink
- The Cellarium Café and Terrace will be open from 5.00–6.45pm serving a 2-course Christmas menu (last orders 6.15pm) and pre-concert drinks and snacks. Email [email protected] for more info or book online.
Filming & photography
- Please note that photography, filming and sound recording are not permitted at Abbey concerts.
General
- Older children are very welcome at our evening concerts but we do not recommend them for children under the age of six.
- While concerts provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Abbey’s special atmosphere and magnificent architecture, the church is not open.
- Tickets for Abbey concerts are non-transferable and non-refundable.
